February 16, 2011 - Late last month, the New York State Senate passed Governor Andrew Cuomo’s bill to impose a property tax cap proposal for schools and local governments, beginning in 2012-13, by a vote of 45-17. Although the State Legislature still needs to accept this bill in order for it to be enacted, many questions surround the Governor’s proposed tax cap. What does the proposed tax cap mean?

http://www.gcsny.org/District/BoardofEd/Budget1112/TaxCapBreakdown.htm

IN THIS ISSUE:

* Public Policy Update
* Concealed Weapons on Campus?
* Membership Survey
* Winter Membership Meeting
* Get to Know the PIO
* Contract Fun Facts

Big changes could be happening in the near future for our members in Kansas. To keep up with fast-acting legislators and governor, we need to be prepared for anything.

One of our goals is to keep AFT-Kansas teachers, healthcare professionals, and public employees up to date on critical legislation by text message. This service will allow you to find out what is happening first!

There are two ways to sign-up.

Using your mobile phone right now, send a text message with the word KANSAS to 69238. We will send you text messages with details on how you can participate in upcoming actions.

Or, you can simply provide your phone number and zip code below, and click submit.

ETF has posted an extensive updated document as to questions about how the budget bills effect the WRS programs administered by ETF.

ETF Update 4/15/2011: Act 10 Information - Frequently Asked Questions for Members

For new and updated news, go to http://etf.wi.gov/news/Whats_New.htm .

Cory Mason, former AFT-Wisconsin staffer and current democratic state representative from Racine, has stepped to the forefront of the epic battle for collective bargaining rights and is emerging as a true statesman and a new leader for Wisconsin.  Read what he said in the assembly.

Today, March 15, the House passed the last two bills required to finish the Emergency Financial Manager legislation.  It now goes to the Governor and he has said he will sign the bills.  The way to keep EFMs away from our school districts and local communities is to keep them out of financial trouble.  We can’t do that given Governor Snyder’s proposed budget which includes cuts to schools, universities and local community Revenue Sharing.  If you are able, we hope to see you in Lansing tomorrow for a budget protest rally at the State Capitol.  If you can’t make it to Lansing, please call your State Representative or Senator, find out when they are having local events – coffee hours, town halls, etc. – and then attend with a few friends, or lots of friends.  Local action, in person, with your Representatives and Senators is very effective.

Recall contacts

The companies attached were all companies who gave a large amount of money toward the Walker campaign.

Events in Wisconsin:
Teachers took a big hit in Wisconsin today.  No more collective bargaining and the same thing is happening in several other states.  We need to push back in order to stop the attack on teachers.  There is an effort to start the recall of several Wisconsin politicians.  The link below is where you can help our fellow teachers and contribute to the recall effort of several politicians.  They are only asking for $5, but give more if you can.

GIve $5 here

Events in Sacramento:

If you cannot afford to send money to Wisconsin, perhaps you can write a letter to the editor or a letter to you state senator. All CFT locals are being asked to do this.  The Republicans in the Legislature appear to be blocking the sending of the extension of the temporary taxes to a June election.  Please write a letter to our state senators and encourage them to allow the voters to decide in order to give the people a voice in this matter.  If these tax extensions fail to materialize, our District's budget will be extremely bad!

contact State Senator Ted Gaines

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